1st of all. I am just as proud of the GRIZ fans as I am of the team. The crowd was as loud as I've heard it for that momentum game changing goal line stand. I was sitting in the northeast side, around the 35 yard line. I couldn't hear myself think. I cannot fathom how difficult it was for Sac State's players to do anything. Situations like that one, are exactly why our fans should commit to being back on time after halftime. I hope, we as a fan base can commit to that kind of noise each and every game! That is how fans positively make an IMPACT!
WOW, what a terrific game to attend and just as good to watch (did so from DVR). Who else wishes Bobby Hauck had this kind of mindset his 1st go around here? Hard to believe how damn versatile of a coach he is this time around. Play calling and game strategy is much more diverse than his 1st time. I can honestly say, I am impressed with how many personnel sets Hauck's offense uses. Using 2 and 3 TE's at TE and FB was brilliant. That change was the main reason for an improved running game. Calhoun (praying he is healthy) and Eastwood each had some running room more often this game. We also got to see the other extreme of personnel, with JLM and Sulser on the field at the same time for a few plays. I really do wonder what Rosie is setting up to use with that combo. I was surprised to see so little of Akem. Terrific personnel utilization and versatility GRIZ coaches!!!
How about Sulser!!! That kid is the real deal and has next level wheels! 1st career touch goes to the house, that is the 1st chapter of what will be a story book GRIZ career. By the way, no way he redshirts. His speed and talent on the field are game changing, even when he doesn't have the ball. Defenses absolutely need to be aware of him. That kind of presence makes life easier for the offense. That will play out as the GRIZ incorporate him more into the offense.
Speaking of exciting, What about the Buss/Olson LB duo??? Both are high motor impact players. Do you realize, how difficult it is to have 1 dominating game changing LB, let alone 2? This combo is special and rare. GRIZ Nation, enjoy every second and every play of this combination. I've been holding off giving them such high praise, but they are amazing every damn game. Could we be witnessing the best 1 season LB duo in GRIZ history? 4 games in, they sure have a legendary feel.
Can someone please explain to me, why it takes until half time for a coaching staff to make needed adjustments with either side of the ball? Why can't the necessary adjustments be comfortably done during game play, in the 1st half? I've always wondered this. How difficult is it to gather your specialty group together on the sidelines, and do exactly the same thing that is done at half time? The defensive adjustments made at halftime were terrific. The defense was horrible in the 1st half. In the 2nd half, it was great (still room for improvement and consistency). Limiting Sac State's offense the way it did was very impressive. That offense is the real deal. Their offense will dominate most defenses as the season plays out.
As for the GRIZ offense, I absolutely love the versatility of this offense. Bobby has said, he wants an offense that can play multiple styles. It sure in the hell is heading that way. Hard to believe, this offense has a lot of room to improve with long passing and running game. If those things improve consistently, this offense will be damn scary and exciting. It sure is strange, yet terrific to have a true duo threat QB. We all knew that Sneed was terrific at keeping plays alive with his feet. However, we now know, he can dominate if needed, with his legs. He is fun to watch when he can impact a game to that level. The kid takes great care of the ball too. Granted, he needs to find more consistency on longer passes, however, he did show improvement in that aspect, compared to prior games. It looks to me, he and the coaches are working diligently to improve there.
Onto Cal Poly. Personally, I really am torn going into this game. Our history of struggling against their option offense has me really concerned. Then again, I do have more faith in our offense against their defense than I have in the past.
Way to go GRIZ! This fan is so happy and impressed with this staff and players. I am beginning to believe in Bobby magic again. I am close to having that quiet confidence in this program again. Yes, I do have that with the basketball program, going into this season. #GOGRIZ